By Chris Hoover/Doha

QREC chairman Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh al-Thani (right) presents a memento to Emiri Guard Commander HE Staff Major General Hazaa bin Khalil al-Shahwani at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim
Alban de Mieulle trained Baaria (David Bouland up) recorded an emphatic victory in the Ras Laffan Cup, which featured the day’s races at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. Qadir took the second place ahead of Iradah.
Samhan had found one better on numerous occasion but this time out, he proved too superior in the Pure Arabian Handicap for horses rated 0 to 40, as he romped home in fine fashion. Bahr Al Zaidi ran on to be second ahead of Al Hadla. Samhan (David Badel astride) bolted to the front from the word `go` and left the field stranded at the top of the straight to win as he pleased.
Jabor al-Ramzani saddled Trompettiste (Xavier astride) produced a resolute gallop inside the last furlong to score a runaway victory in the Thoroughbred Handicap for horses rated 0 to 60. Poppy on a start to finish mission was joined by Trompettiste at the turn and the latter stretched away in fine style to record his second win in eight starts.
Abdulaziz Ali al-Qhathri owned Mogida proved overwhelmingly superior to the field in the local bred Pure Arabian Handicap for horses rated 60 to 90. The progeny of Parador collared Barq Al Naif inside the final quarter mile and sped off for an easy win.
One Cool Bex who had served notice of an early win, led all the way and then skipped away from the opposition to win the Thoroughbred Handicap in great style from Sydney Harbour. Qatari rider Yousef al-Hajri who has been riding with great confidence this season recorded his 12th win of the season.
In the day’s other action, Julian Smart’s Theeb (Darren Williams astride) staved off the spirited challenge of Dharr to annex the Pure Arabian Stakes.
Trainer Alban de Mieulle (right) leads in Baaria (David Boluland up) after winning the Ras Laffan Cup at the QREC yesterday
Williams had another winner for the day when he steered Mohammed Abdulmalik schooled Itsher to a commanding victory in the Thoroughbred Stakes.
Results: 1st race: Samhan (David Badel) 1, Bahr Al Zaidy 2, Al Hadla 3, Rich Mistress 4. Won by: 3 ½, Nk, 2. Time: 1:10.36. Trained by: Mohammed al-Sulaiti. Owned by: Essa Mohammed al-Sulaiti
2nd race: Trompettiste (Z. Xavier) 1, Poppy 2, La Famiglia 3, Orlando’s Tale 4. Won by: 3 ½, 1 ¾, 1 ½. Time: 1:09.94. Trained by: Jabor al-Ramzani. Owned by: Halul Stud
3rd race: Mogida (Adrie de Vries) 1, Barq Al Naif 2, Al Nashat 3, Jalmoud Al Jazeera 4. Won by: 2 ½, 3 ½, Distance. Time: 1:55.49. Owned and trained by: Abdulaziz Ali al-Qhathri
4th race: One Cool Bex (Yousef al-Hajri) 1, Sydney Harbour 2, Lost Cause 3, Archers Prize 4. Won by: 3, 1, 3. Time: 1:44.01. Trained by: Ibrahim al-Malki. Owned by: Ibrahim Saeed al-Malki
5th race: Theeb (Darren Williams) 1, Dharr 2, Al Moutawakel 3, Thumal Al Naif 4. Won by: Shd, 1, 1 ¼. Time: 1:54.40. Trained by: Julian Smart. Owned by: Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani
6th race: Itsher (Darren Williams) 1, Baraari 2, Kahail 3, Sea Odyssey 4. Won by: 3 ½, Nk, 2. Time: 1:07.97. Trained by: Mohammed Abdulmalik. Owned by: Ali bin Saeed al-Nuami
7th race: Baaria (David Bouland) 1, Qadir 2, Iradah 3, Battal 4. Won by: 2 ½, 3, 2. Time: 1:53.44. Trained by: Alban de Mieulle. Owned by: Umm Qarn